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Installing Windows Vista on MBPR

X

Xcelerate

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 11, 2008
108
1
I am trying to install Windows Vista using Bootcamp on my new MBPR. The problem is that in the Boot Camp Assistant, the only options are "Create a Windows 7 install disk" and "Install Windows 7" (and download latest Windows support software).

Will this still work with Vista?

And why don't I just buy a copy of Windows 7? Because I spent all my money on my new Macbook :D

Anyway, if I can't get Vista installed, I'll just keep using my old laptop until I can get a new Windows license, but I thought someone here might know a trick.

Thanks
 
Don't install Vista. Easy. Really, don't install Vista. Wait until you have the money to buy 7 if you need Windows.

It will probably work using the Windows 7 option, but it's just not a good idea.
 
Xcelerate said:
I am trying to install Windows Vista using Bootcamp on my new MBPR.
Click to expand...

That's like putting a bumper sticker that says "my other car is a VW bus" on your shiny new Lexus.

Just wait until you can get your hands on a copy of Windows 7. ;)
 
Auzburner said:
Don't install Vista. Easy. Really, don't install Vista. Wait until you have the money to buy 7 if you need Windows.

It will probably work using the Windows 7 option, but it's just not a good idea.
Click to expand...

Is there a reason I shouldn't install Vista? I've always liked it, and some software I run on Vista isn't supported on OS X. I don't mind a slightly buggy system as long as it mostly works.
 
Xcelerate said:
Is there a reason I shouldn't install Vista? I've always liked it, and some software I run on Vista isn't supported on OS X. I don't mind a slightly buggy system as long as it mostly works.
Click to expand...


It's just not supported. Apple only writes Windows 7 drivers for their hardware. Normally you'll find a few people who've done what you're looking to do but Vista is really not in many people's interests anymore.


You can buy an OEM copy of Windows 7 on Newegg for like $99. You could even download a disc image of 7 and use it for the 30 days until you buy a key which will then permanently activate it. It's worth it.
 
Xcelerate said:
I don't mind a slightly buggy system as long as it mostly works.
Click to expand...
"Slightly buggy"? Vista? When did they improve it so much? :D

Seriously, I wouldn't install Vista on a toaster, much less a MBP. Leave it on your PC and use Mac OS X on your Mac. Have you determined for certain that you even need Windows? With the exception of gaming and some specialized apps, there are Mac equivalents to most Windows apps. What do you plan to use Windows for?
nishioka said:
That's like putting a bumper sticker that says "my other car is a VW bus" on your shiny new Lexus.
Click to expand...
Hey! Don't insult VW buses by equating them to Vista! :D
 
Your problems are going to arise from apple drivers, I think your going to have issues getting vista on the retina. As suggested try VMware first.

Good to see the uninformed responses to vista as always on these forums. It was actually a good os that was sold on the wrong hardware, as in hardware that struggled to run it.
 
Xcelerate said:
Is there a reason I shouldn't install Vista? I've always liked it, and some software I run on Vista isn't supported on OS X. I don't mind a slightly buggy system as long as it mostly works.
Click to expand...

Don't listen to these guys, Vista is fine. The early releases of Vista (pre service pack) were plagued with driver problems. Companies were hesistant to release quality drivers compatible with Vista because they were still hanging onto XP. This lead to all the blue screens and crashes. But after a while driver support caught up and it's fine now. Honestly, Windows 7 is almost just a skinned version of Windows Vista SP2.

But it is a legacy OS, and you should go to Windows 7 just for the sole reason that it's much more current.
 
Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah, I'd prefer Windows 7 (actually Windows 8), but it will be a while before I can get that, just because I need to make sure I have enough funds for college left over.

The main reason I'd like to run Windows is because of some software. I've got Vegas 8 installed on my PC, which is great for video editing. Unfortunately, my PC is too old and too slow to edit HD any faster than 0.8 fps. Vegas only runs on Windows, so that's why I'm looking to install Bootcamp. And yeah, I know FCP is out there, but that's a lot of money. Maybe someday.

The other issue is some licenses I got for software (at my college) only apply to a Windows installation, so I'd either have to purchase a new license or call all these places to get it sorted out. It was just be easier to run it on my Mac.

VMware is a good suggestion and will probably work well for everything but video editing. I'll give it a try.
 
Strangely, I am one of (seemingly very few) people who never had performance, stability or compatibility issues with Windows Vista.

That said, Windows 7 is still a lot better, and Apple's drivers are developed for W7, so I don't think Vista would work.
 
Xcelerate said:
Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah, I'd prefer Windows 7 (actually Windows 8), but it will be a while before I can get that, just because I need to make sure I have enough funds for college left over.

The main reason I'd like to run Windows is because of some software. I've got Vegas 8 installed on my PC, which is great for video editing. Unfortunately, my PC is too old and too slow to edit HD any faster than 0.8 fps. Vegas only runs on Windows, so that's why I'm looking to install Bootcamp. And yeah, I know FCP is out there, but that's a lot of money. Maybe someday.

The other issue is some licenses I got for software (at my college) only apply to a Windows installation, so I'd either have to purchase a new license or call all these places to get it sorted out. It was just be easier to run it on my Mac.

VMware is a good suggestion and will probably work well for everything but video editing. I'll give it a try.
Click to expand...

Does your school have MSDNAA? That would mean free Windows...
 
Xcelerate said:
Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah, I'd prefer Windows 7 (actually Windows 8), but it will be a while before I can get that, just because I need to make sure I have enough funds for college left over.

The main reason I'd like to run Windows is because of some software. I've got Vegas 8 installed on my PC, which is great for video editing. Unfortunately, my PC is too old and too slow to edit HD any faster than 0.8 fps. Vegas only runs on Windows, so that's why I'm looking to install Bootcamp. And yeah, I know FCP is out there, but that's a lot of money. Maybe someday.

The other issue is some licenses I got for software (at my college) only apply to a Windows installation, so I'd either have to purchase a new license or call all these places to get it sorted out. It was just be easier to run it on my Mac.

VMware is a good suggestion and will probably work well for everything but video editing. I'll give it a try.
Click to expand...


If you own a Mac, its strange that they're making you go to Windows for video editing...what school is this?
 
fs454 said:
If you own a Mac, its strange that they're making you go to Windows for video editing...what school is this?
Click to expand...

Haha, no, I'm a chemical engineer. The video editing is just for home videos. I purchased Vegas a few years ago, and it's been a good investment, so I'd really just like to carry it over to the Mac.

I'll let you all know how video editing works in VBox once I've got it set up.
 
- First, lie the vista case and disc on the ground where there is no dead grass or leaves.

- Second spray gasoline evenly on the contents.

- Third light a match and toss it like Boss towards the contents and watch it BURN.
 
Xcelerate said:
Haha, no, I'm a chemical engineer. The video editing is just for home videos. I purchased Vegas a few years ago, and it's been a good investment, so I'd really just like to carry it over to the Mac.

I'll let you all know how video editing works in VBox once I've got it set up.
Click to expand...

Ah, nice. That will be interesting. iMovie also does well for casual editing but I can see why you'd want something with a "normal" timeline and that you've already paid for. In the future take a look at some of the OS X options if you get back into the market. FCPX is a great value for what it offers, despite the pro criticisms, especially on the rMBP.

:edit: I meant to note, definitely check if your school has MSDNAA which would mean you get a free Windows 7 license.
 
I have installed Vista 64bit on my 2012 Macbook Pro and everything works except for the USB ports and right click on the trackpad. So it is pretty unusable really as you can't right click.

I can manually install all the drivers and they show up as installed in the device manager, but for whatever reason the USB ports don't work. Also Intel only seem to offer USB3 drivers for Windows 7 on their site (which might be the problem). I am going to keep looking around, but don't really want to spend extra on a Win7 license as I have loads of unused Vista licenses kicking around. Might see if there are any similar spec'ed Dell laptops I can use the drivers for.
 
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